The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghana has accepted a limited number of West African nationals deported from the United States.
He stressed that the move reflects Ghana’s Pan-African ideals and humanitarian principles.
Addressing the media during Government Accountability Series at the Presidency on September 15, 2025, Hon. Ablakwa explained that the United States approached Ghana with a request to receive some deportees, and government agreed on condition that only nationals of West African countries would be accepted.
He disclosed that the first batch of 14 deportees had already arrived in Accra, including nationals of Nigeria and The Gambia, who have since been assisted to return to their respective countries.
Hon. Ablakwa emphasized that the decision was not transactional but guided by principle.
“The Government of Ghana took the principled and humanitarian decision to accept the limited number of West African nationals deported from the United States under exceptional circumstances in line with Ghana’s longstanding Pan-African ideals and unwavering commitment to regional solidarity,” he said.
He explained that many of the deportees had been detained under psychologically and physically distressing conditions, with risks of being sent to unsafe countries lacking stability and respect for human rights.
“Ghana acted out of moral responsibility and Pan-African empathy,” the Minister stressed.
Hon. Ablakwa reassured citizens that the arrangement does not compromise Ghana’s security.
“Ghana must first independently vet the background of those the U.S. intends to deport to satisfy ourselves that they do not pose any threat to our security. The Mahama administration will never compromise the safety and wellbeing of Ghanaians,” he declared.
He revealed that Cabinet had thoroughly discussed the arrangement and obtained advice from the Attorney-General.
He clarified that, by convention, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are not sent to Parliament for ratification, unless they evolve into full agreements. Should this happen, he pledged that government would seek parliamentary approval under Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution.
The Foreign Affairs Minister further clarified that Ghana had not received, and does not seek, any financial compensation for this arrangement.
“Our decision is grounded purely in humanitarian principle and Pan-African solidarity. It must not be mistaken as an endorsement of the immigration policies of the Trump administration,” he explained.
Hon. Ablakwa noted that Ghana’s role is consistent with its long history of providing refuge for Africans in distress.
“Since the days of our forebears, Ghana has hosted freedom fighters, welcomed Africans in the diaspora, and offered them safe haven and resources. That is why Ghana is regarded as the mecca of Pan-Africanism — and we shall not depart from that proud legacy,” he concluded.
